The wonderkid Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are fighting to sign

Over the past 18 months, Partizan Belgrade’s Lazar Markovic has been diligently establishing himself as one of the most sought-after young talents in European football. With the January transfer window getting closer, it is believed that he is set to become the subject of a transfer tangle as some of Europe’s biggest clubs vie for his signature. With more on the exciting 18 year-old, it’s talkSPORT’s transfer spotlight.

What’s the latest?
Undoubtedly a talented individual, Lazar Markovic has followed on from his impressive debut campaign last year to become one of Partizan Belgrade’s most important players this season. The 18-year-old has already equalled his goal tally from last year, grabbing six in 12 games for Partizan so far this season. Reports claim that Chelsea are in the driving seat to land him for around £8m, but it is believed that Liverpool and Arsenal could enter the race for him in January.

Did you know?1) Markovic joined Partizan aged 12, being handed a trainee contract. After honing his skills in the Partizan academy, the attacker was drafted into the first team, prior to the final game of the 2010/11 season.

2) During his debut season, Markovic scored seven times in all competitions, making 33 appearances for Partizan. His impressive displays saw Markovic named as Partizan’s player of the year.

3) His rapid ascent has been well documented in Serbia, with the forward being fast-tracked from the country’s Under-17 squad to the senior national side. While he has featured for the Under-21s, Markovic is now a regular fixture in Sinisa Mihajlovic’s national team.

4) He made his international debut in February 2012 in a friendly against Armenia, but he had to wait until November 2012 for his first international goal, opening the scoring in a 3-1 victory over Chile.

5) Despite being deployed more frequently as a central attacker, Markovic has been used in slightly deeper roles, as well as on the wing. At 5ft 9in, he does not fit the profile of a traditional striker, but his remarkable close control and excellent dribbling skills suggest that he would excel in any attacking position.

They say
“He is a player with exceptional qualities. He possesses a very impressive acceleration and has a bright future ahead of him.” – Inter Milan boss Andrea Stramaccioni.

“On Saturday I spoke with club president Dragan Djuric and he also told me that he knows nothing about Markovic's transfer to Chelsea.” - Partizan Belgrade director of sport Ljubisa Tumbakovic dismissing rumours of Markovic’s proposed move to Chelsea.

Video evidence

Which club needs a player like Lazar Markovic more? Where would he fit in more? Have your say by commenting below…